KEATS SOCIETY
UVA DEPARTMENT OF RADIOLOGY
AND MEDICAL IMAGING ALUMNI SOCIETY
IN THIS ISSUE: GRADUATION SEASON
DEPARTMENT MILESTONES
AROUND THE DEPARTMENT
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS
THE KEATS SOCIETY
Dr. Theodore Keats was appointed the fourth chairman of the Department of Radiology at the University of Virginia in 1963. Drawing on his professional experiences in Sweden, Dr. Keats restructured the department to promote the development of radiologic subspecialties in response to the growing demand for comprehensively trained radiologists capable of performing a wide range of diagnostic and interventional procedures. This strategic reorganization significantly enhanced the capabilities of both the department and the broader medical center. Over the course of his 29-year tenure, the department experienced a threefold increase in imaging study volume and expanded to offer the full spectrum of radiologic services.
In recognition of his enduring contributions to the field and to the institution, the Keats Society was established within the Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging at UVA. The Society fosters a sense of community among current and former residents, fellows, and faculty through scientific and social reunions. Its principal mission is to support the educational advancement of current trainees via the Educational Endowment Fund, which provides financial resources aimed at enriching their academic and professional development.
Dr. Theodore Keats
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Hello from the Keats Society!
As you probably know, this season is an exciting time of transition! This past June, we celebrated our graduating radiology trainees (who you can read about more in this newsletter!); then in July we welcomed our new residents and fellows (who you’ll meet in the next newsletter!).
This is my first full summer since becoming Keats Society President, and it’s given me a special appreciation of the various paths of our Keats Society members. While we’d prefer not to say goodbye to any of our residents (and many of them are entering fellowship at UVA), some are beginning new life chapters across the country. Conversely, there are former fellows who did not complete residency here, but have made Charlottesville their home and are now joining UVA as faculty members!
Regardless of our journeys, there’s one thing that unites us all: the knowledge that UVA Radiology is a very special place. I hope you’ll continue to stay connected to the department across borders and generations. Thank you for your support and for being part of the Keats Society!
Best wishes,
Jenni Pierce, MD
Diagnostic Radiology GRADUATION SEASON
On Saturday, June 14, the Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging celebrated the 2025 graduates of the Diagnostic Radiology Residency. Department members and loved ones convened at Mount Ida Reserve to honor the graduates as they embark on the next stage of their careers. The event featured lively celebration, appreciative words of thanks, and even a surprise acapella performance.
The graduating DR residents (who you can learn more about on page 10) are:
John Barrera, MD (IR-Integrated)
George Cheeseman, MD (Global Health Leadership Track)
Wayne Dell, MD (DR/NM Dual Pathway)
Samantha Epstein, MD
Caroline Hubbard, MD (Chief Resident)
Allen Ko, MD
Daniel Phadke, MD
Andrew Ray, MD (IR-Integrated)
Adam Richardson, MD
Daniel Ruohoniemi, MD
Connor Sleeth, MD (Global Health Leadership Track)
Zak Swenson, MD
During the event, the department also presented its 2025 resident and faculty awards. They include:
Chief Resident Acknowledgement: Caroline Hubbard, MD (DR) and John Barrera, MD (IR)
Teaching Resident of the Year: Wayne Dell, MD
Spencer B. Gay Service Award: Caroline Hubbard, MD
De Lange Resident Award: Daniel Phadke, MD
Gold Humanism Award: Hannah Clode, MD
Outstanding Fellow Award: Vishnu Chandra, MD
Paul M. Dee, MD Teacher of the Year Award: Rebecca Dameron, MD
Charles Tegtmeyer, MD Memorial Clinical Service Award: Tom Battey, MD
View album here
Celebrating a Change in Residency Leadership
It was a bittersweet changing of the guard at the close of the 2024-25 academic year, when Professor Juliana Bueno, MD officially stepped down as program director of the Diagnostic Radiology (DR) residency after five years in the role. Associate Professor Joseph Donahue, MD began as the new program director on July 1, 2025.
In 2020, Dr. Bueno has overseen the DR residency through several
changes, including the establishment of the Diagnostic Radiology/Nuclear Medicine dual certification pathway. During this time, she also supported many programs including the DR residency as the department’s vice chair of education – a role that she will continue in.
Dr. Bueno’s successor, Dr. Donahue, has served as associate program director for the DR residency since 2021. He is also
Interventional Radiology
the program director for the department’s diagnostic neuroradiology fellowship. Meanwhile, Associate Professor Carrie Rochman, MD will continue to serve as the associate program director for the DR residency, and Assistant Professor
Marcus Hook, MD will also begin his tenure as an associate program director.
Later in the month on Saturday, June 28, UVA Radiology celebrated its graduating PGY-6 IR residents, who include the following:
Seyedeh Shahrzad Azizaddini, MD (IR-Independent)
Kevin Bolger, MD (IR-Independent)
Vishnu Chandra, MD (IR-Integrated, Chief Resident)
Nicole Dennis, MD (IR-Independent)
Marc Kryger, MD (IR-Integrated)
DEPARTMENT MILESTONES
Two Cancer Treatments; Two Virginia Firsts
In June, Associate Professor Daniel Sheeran, MD completed two milestone procedures within the commonwealth: Virginia’s inaugural procedure for histotripsy, a novel non-invasive treatment for liver tumors; and its first case for Hezpato, a chemotherapy infusion into the liver to treat metastatic ocular melanoma.
UVA Health is the first hospital in Virginia – and one of a handful of places nationwide – to offer histotripsy, which uses focused ultrasound to treat cancerous tissue. After a patient is put under general anesthesia, the ultrasound waves create resonant bubbles within tumors in order to make the cancer cells burst. The procedure results in shorter recovery time, involves no radiation or dose limit, and can be performed on patients with health conditions that prevent surgery.
Meanwhile, Hepzato offers an option for patients whose ocular melanoma has spread to the liver and has progressed to the point that the tumors cannot
1st VA in
be surgically removed. Utilizing a blood-filtering system to deliver chemotherapy directly to the liver, the procedure requires support from multiple specialties to provide the treatment.
“These procedures could not have been done without the hard work and dedication of many individuals,” said Dr. Sheeran. “From our clinic, to nursing, to technologists, to many people whose faces I never met – on pharmacy, pre-auth, facilities, and more.
Daniel Sheeran, MD
$3.2M Grant Will Aid Efforts to Protect Military Brain Health
A team led by James Stone, MD, PhD, professor of radiology and medical imaging, has received $3.2 million from the federal Department of Defense to enhance a critical tool for protecting the brain health of military personnel.
The project aims to upgrade the Generalized Blast Exposure Value (GBEV) tool that assigns a numerical score to a service member’s history of blast exposures that can be used to assess the potential for adverse health outcomes. The hope is to give the Department of Defense a
more precise, data-driven way to identify at-risk individuals, guide protective measures and drive the care that members of the military receive.
“This will represent a major step forward in how the military monitors, protects and cares for its service members,” said Dr. Stone. “This kind of translational research has the potential to directly inform policy, improve training safety and guide individualized medical decisions for those who serve.”
This research is a continuation of close to two decades of research
James Stone, MD, PhD
by Stone and his collaborators that seeks to better understand how repeated exposure to blasts –common in military training and combat – affects the brain over time.
AROUND THE DEPARTMENT
UVA Will Offer DR/PR Dual Certification Pathway for Residents
The University of Virginia’s Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging has officially announced a new offering: the Diagnostic Radiology/Pediatric Radiology (DR/PR) dual certification pathway for radiology residents.
Beginning in their third year, UVA’s diagnostic radiology residents can now enroll in this 15-month program for dual certification in both diagnostic and pediatric radiology. The pathway was approved earlier in the year by the American Board of Radiology and is modeled after the pre-existing Diagnostic Radiology/ Nuclear Medicine pathway.
“This pathway will allow residents interested in pursuing a career in pediatric radiology the opportunity to graduate from our residency program with all of the training and credentials needed to obtain certification in both general diagnostic radiology as well as in the pediatric radiology subspecialty,” said Assistant Professor Marcus Hook, MD, who
serves as the DR/PR program director at UVA. He emphasized that the specialized certification can be completed during the normal residency time frame — “without requiring an additional year of training in a separate pediatric radiology fellowship program.”
“It is our hope that this pathway will increase interest in pediatric radiology,” said Dr. Hook, “and help address the chronic shortage of subspecialty pediatric radiologists in Virginia and throughout the United States. States.”
Breakfast After Boards
In June, the current R4s celebrated the completion of their exams with the annual “Breakfast After Boards” event, sponsored by the Keats Alumni Society. Leading up to the boards, the Keats Society provides residents with fully-funded “Crack the Core” books and testing materials to prepare.
Division Chief Wins 2025 Pediatrics Education Award
This June, UVA’s Department of Pediatrics announced that Reza Daugherty, MD, professor of radiology and medical imaging, is the recipient of their 2025 Education Award.
The award recognizes Dr. Daugherty’s outstanding contributions to pediatric medical education. Widely praised for his dedication and impact, Dr. Daugherty was described in his nomination as “an exceptional educator and a cornerstone of our pediatric trainee education program.” This honor reflects his unwavering commitment to shaping the next generation of pediatricians through excellence in teaching and mentorship.
Reza Daugherty, MD
Keats Society Kicks Off “Introductions to Academics” Lecture Series
Dr. Daugherty currently serves as the division chief for the department’s Division of Pediatric Imaging, as well as the program director for UVA’s Pediatric Radiology fellowship.
New and Familiar Faculty Faces
This July, UVA Radiology greeted Mark Ahlman, MD, who serves as the division chief for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. Dr. Ahlman previously served as the section chief of nuclear medicine at Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia, and we’re excited that he has brought his leadership and expertise to UVA
Earlier in the month, the department faculty was also joined by three familiar faces: former trainees Vishnu Chandra, MD for Interventional Radiology, Nabeel Hassan, MD for NICV/Thoracic Imaging, and Gustavo Monjardim, MD for Musculoskeletal Imaging. It’s a true pleasure that these three will remain part of the department; welcome all!
The Keats Society sponsored its first-ever “Introduction to Academics” lecture for trainees on May 1. Speakers Tom Battey, MD, and Marcus Hook, MD, who are both assistant professors of radiology and medical imaging at UVA Radiology, discussed their career considerations before ultimately pursuing academic radiology. Later that evening, department members gathered at Guajiro’s Miami Eatery for socializing and refreshments!
Mark Ahlman, MD Vishnu Chandra, MD
Nabeel Hassan, MD Gustavo Monjardim, MD
GRADUATING RESIDENT
John Barrera, MD
(IR-Integrated Residency)
Plans for Next Year
I will be staying to complete an Interventional Radiology Fellowship here at UVA.
Reflections on Your Time at UVA
My residency at UVA has been an incredibly rewarding experience and my wife, Abby, and I have loved building a community in Charlottesville. I enjoyed the diverse case-mix and procedures, which provided great training and kept each day interesting. The attendings were approachable, dedicated teachers who truly cared about our development. But the most memorable part of residency are the incredible co-residents which made even the toughest days enjoyable. UVA has been a wonderful place to train for a career in radiology, and I’m excited to stay for my final year!
George Cheeseman, MD (DR Residency)
Plans for Next Year
I will be joining my wife in Texas to complete pediatric radiology fellowship at Texas Children’s in Houston.
Reflections on Your Time at UVA
Forever grateful for the friendships, mentorship and education I received at UVA. I am especially grateful to my amazing wife and family who have supported me throughout my time in residency. In the future I will always look back on these years at UVA as a time of incredible professional and personal growth. Thank you to all of the amazing faculty and staff who have helped educate me to help patients in the future!
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS
Wayne Dell, MD
(DR Nuclear Medicine dual pathway)
Plans for Next Year
I’m moving to Boston in June to complete Body Imaging Fellowship at Mass General Brigham then finding an academic position in Body Imaging and Nuclear Medicine on the East Coast.
Reflections on Your Time at UVA
The people at UVA make this an incredible place to train. I am grateful for the great community of both residents and attendings that have helped me learn as much as possible, provided support through the difficult times in residency, and reminded me to live life while working hard. I have loved my time at UVA and my time in Charlottesville – and hope to continue the special relationships that began here.
Samantha Epstein, MD (DR Residency)
Plans for Next Year
Next year, I will be staying at UVA for my Breast Imaging fellowship.
Reflections on Your Time at UVA
Between medical school, residency, and soon to be fellowship, my nine years in Charlottesville (so far) have been amazing! UVA was a great place for my radiology training. I am appreciative to the faculty for their dedication to our education, grateful for the support of my fiancé and family, and thankful for the friends I have made along the way. I am looking forward to staying in Charlottesville after residency!
Caroline Hubbard, MD
(DR Residency)
Plans for Next Year
I am thrilled to be staying at UVA next year for a fellowship in Breast Imaging.
Reflections on Your Time at UVA
It’s hard to put into words just how much UVA Radiology and my time within the diagnostic radiology residency have meant to me. My time at UVA has been filled with some of the most meaningful memories of my life. It has been the greatest honor to have served the program as chief resident and train alongside my incredible co-residents, who quickly became lifelong friends and family. I am deeply grateful to have learned from the most exceptional educators and mentors, who guided and taught me throughout my residency journey. This residency program exceeded every expectation and nurtured my personal and professional growth in every way. UVA is a truly special place, and while it’s bittersweet that my time within the residency is ending, I’m excited to watch future residents experience the same magic that made this program so unforgettable!
Allen Ko, MD
(DR Residency)
Plans for Next Year
I will be staying at UVA to complete a fellowship in Neuroradiology.
Reflections on Your Time at UVA
My time at UVA has been amazing—I got married, made tons of great friends, and grew alongside co-residents I really admire. I lucked out joining a program that puts its residents first, builds a supportive culture, and invests in our personal and professional growth. These past few years have shaped me in so many ways, and I’m so grateful for the experiences and friendships that will stick with me long after residency.
Daniel Phadke, MD
(DR Residency)
Plans for Next Year
I will be moving to Boston to complete a Body Imaging fellowship at the Massachusetts General Hospital.
Reflections on Your Time at UVA
UVA and Charlottesville has been a wonderful place to call home for the last nine years as I have had the privilege to be here for both medical school and residency. I am blessed to have had the chance to make great connections with both friends and mentors while here. Looking forward for what’s to come but will look back fondly at my time in Charlottesville.
Andrew Ray, MD
(IR-Integrated Residency)
Plans for Next Year
UVA Interventional Radiology!
Reflections on Your Time at UVA
My residency at UVA has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. Each day, I’ve had the opportunity to apply my medical training to make a meaningful impact on patient’s lives. It has been a privilege to learn from exceptional mentors and be part of such a dedicated team. I’m truly excited for what lies ahead
Adam Richardson, MD
(DR Residency)
Plans for Next Year
I will be staying at UVA to pursue a fellowship in Musculoskeletal (MSK) Radiology.
Reflections on Your Time at UVA
I can’t express enough how grateful I am for the incredible moments my wife and I have shared at UVA! This has been such an exciting chapter in our lives, and it’s about to get even more thrilling as we prepare to welcome our first child this July! Starting our family here is an absolute blessing, and I find myself filled with joy every day as we build this beautiful life and love story together. The best is yet to come!
David Ruohoniemi, MD
(DR Residency)
Plans for Next Year
I will be staying at UVA for a Body Imaging Fellowship.
Reflections on Your Time at UVA
I am grateful for the opportunity to complete radiology residency at UVA among an amazing group of co-residents. Thank you to the faculty who have encouraged and challenged me throughout training. UVA is a special place because of the people – a place where I have met lifelong friends and mentors. It has been a privilege to start my radiology journey in Charlottesville in a supportive environment. Ready for the future!
Connor Sleeth, MD
(DR Residency)
Plans for Next Year
I am staying at UVA for the Musculoskeletal Fellowship.
Reflections on Your Time at UVA
I remember week 1 of residency, listening to residents teach us about the PACS system and saying how quickly the years will go, and here I am reflecting on some of the best years of my life. The program continuously demonstrated values of growth and education. From technologists to administrators, I appreciated the communal support for residents along their path. At the core of this incredible experience are my colleagues, most notably my classmates. I am so thankful for walking this path alongside you all, as well as your partners, pets, and kids; we made it great!
Zak Swenson, MD (DR Residency)
Plans for Next Year
I will be staying at UVA next year for a body imaging fellowship.
Reflections on Your Time at UVA
I am deeply grateful for the incredible experience of being a UVA radiology resident and for the wonderful friends and mentors who supported me along the way. Thank you all for your encouragement, shared laughter, and unwavering support. Knowing I had such wonderful people by my side made navigating the demands of residency much more manageable and enjoyable.
Join our team!